Our Core Values

Our Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Who We Are

The FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA is a leading nonprofit community resource that weaves honesty, caring, respect and responsibility through all of our programs, staff and special events.  We seek to strengthen our community through these four traits, while serving a diverse population of adults and children of all ages.

Our programs and events are focused around fun, physical activity and self-improvement.  Our strength to deliver impactful services to our community come from dedicated staff, volunteers and donors; a long-standing reputation of reliability and accountability; and fiscal responsibility.

The FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA is chartered to serve all of Oconee County as well as Clemson & Central, though our doors are always open to all who wish to join our family.

What We Believe

The FOOTHILLS AREA YMCA holds tight to the Y’s mission and cause in everything we do.  We believe:

  • Everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve a healthy lifestyle no matter who you are or where you’re from.
  • Everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
  • In a holistic approach to wellness by promoting a healthy spirit, mind and body.
  • When we work together, the greater community will benefit.

Diversity & Inclusion

We believe that everyone, regardless of gender, income, faith, ability, sexual orientation or cultural background, has the right to live life to its fullest. We share the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. 
 
We know that the key to effectively nurturing the potential of children, improving health and well-being, and supporting our neighbors is a passionate, experienced and diverse array of staff, volunteers, members and partners who value all people, actively promote inclusion, and celebrate cultural differences.
 
By intentionally infusing diversity and inclusion strategies into everything that we do, we work to ensure that every segment of society feels welcome and is supported by the Y.
 

The YMCA Movement

Together, the 2,700+ YMCAs are the largest not-for-profit community service organization in America, working to meet the health and human service needs of 20.2 million men, women and children in 10,000 communities in the United States.  YMCAs are at the heart of community life across the country: 42 million families and 72 million households are location within three miles of a YMCA.

YMCA stand for Young Men’s Christian Association, but this is not to be misinterpreted to mean YMCAs are only for “young, Christian men.”  From its start more than 150 years ago, when George Williams founded the YMCA as a substitute Bible study and prayer for life on the streets, the YMCA was unusual because it crossed the rigid lines that separated all the difference churches and social classes in England in those days.  This openness was a trait that would lead YMCA to recognize its strength in the people it brings together – Ys are for people of all faiths, races, ages, abilities and incomes.  YMCA’s financial assistance policies ensure that no one is turned away for reasons of inability to pay.